“Burdensome rules prevent businesses from hiring workers,” Pavlov said. “Today we began removing some of these obstacles to job growth.”

Senate Bills 271 through 279 would reduce onerous regulations on individuals and businesses to help create jobs and boost Michigan’s economy.

Pavlov sponsored SB 279, which would establish standard practices for routine inspections by the Department of Environmental Quality.

Pavlov said his measure sends a positive message to businesses.

“There is a perception among job providers that they will be targeted for inspection if they cross the government or speak out again government action,” he said “This ensures they will be treated fairly in the state inspection process.”

Other measures in the nine-bill package would:

Level the playing field for Michigan job providers by prohibiting rules more stringent than federal rules, unless authorized by state law;

Require state agencies to consider disproportionate effects rules might have on small businesses compared to larger companies;

Improve timeliness in permitting and end delay tactics by regulators who keep asking for additional information;

Require regulators to compare standards in nearby states and perform a cost-benefit analysis when proposing new rules; and

Increase transparency in the rulemaking process to improve the opportunity for comment and suggestions by those impacted.

According to Site Selection magazine, business executives look at the ease of permitting and regulatory procedures second only to the availability of desired workforce skills when choosing the place to locate or expand their business.

Senate Bill 275 is currently before the Senate Economic Development Committee. The other bills in the package now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.